Florida’s rental landscape is shaped by landlord-friendly laws, a lack of statewide rent control, and evolving local ordinances. As of 2025, tenants should be aware of the following key points regarding rent increases.
No Statewide Rent Control or Cap
- Florida has no statewide rent control law. Landlords can generally raise rent by any amount they choose when a lease term ends, regardless of whether it is a single-family home, apartment, or other rental property.
- The state explicitly bans local governments from enacting rent control ordinances unless a severe housing emergency is declared-a rare and difficult threshold to meet.
When and How Rent Can Be Increased
- Rent increases are only permitted at the end of a lease term, unless the lease agreement specifically allows mid-term adjustments.
- During an active lease, the rent amount is locked in and cannot be changed unilaterally by the landlord5.
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent, as updated in recent law changes.
- For annual or longer leases, the notice period is typically outlined in the lease. If not specified, a 60-day notice is considered standard practice in many counties.
Local Notice Requirements
- Some local governments, such as Miami-Dade County and West Palm Beach, have enacted ordinances requiring landlords to give at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing rent by more than 5% or terminating a lease.
- These local protections provide tenants with more time to prepare for significant rent hikes or to find alternative housing.
Affordable Housing Protections (Effective July 2025)
- A new law effective July 1, 2025, prohibits landlords of affordable housing units-who receive federal, state, or local funding or tax incentives-from increasing rent during the term of a lease. Rent may only be increased upon renewal, not mid-lease.
- This protection applies to rental agreements of 13 months or less entered into on or after July 1, 2026.
Legal and Fairness Protections
- Rent increases must not be discriminatory or retaliatory. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits rent hikes that target tenants based on race, religion, disability, family status, or other protected characteristics.
- Any rent increase must be applied consistently and cannot be used as a form of retaliation against tenants who assert their legal rights.
Typical Rent Increase Amounts
- While there is no legal cap, market trends and economic factors generally influence rent increases. In 2024, the average rent increase in Florida was about 8.2%, with experts predicting a similar range (3%–10%) for 2025 depending on inflation and local demand.
- Excessive increases may lead to tenant turnover and vacancy, which can be costly for landlords.
Security Deposits and Rent Increases
- A rent increase does not automatically change the security deposit. However, landlords may request an additional deposit to match the new rent, provided this is stipulated in the new or renewed lease agreement.
Key Florida Rent Increase Laws 2025
| Aspect | Statewide Law | Local Ordinances (Examples) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | None | Not allowed (except rare emergency) | Landlords can raise rent by any amount |
| Notice for Rent Increase | 30 days (month-to-month); varies for longer leases | 60 days for >5% increase (Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach) | Check your local ordinances |
| Mid-Lease Increase | Not allowed unless in lease | Same | Applies to all rental types |
| Affordable Housing Protection | Yes, starting July 2025 | N/A | Applies to subsidized affordable units only |
| Discriminatory/Retaliatory Increases | Prohibited | Prohibited | Protected by Fair Housing Act |
What Tenants Should Do
- Review your lease agreement for specific provisions about rent increases and notice requirements.
- Monitor local ordinances in your city or county for additional tenant protections.
- If you receive a rent increase notice, check that it complies with state and local notice requirements.
- If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, seek legal advice or contact a local tenant advocacy group.
Florida’s rental market remains dynamic and competitive. Tenants should stay informed about their rights, communicate proactively with landlords, and be prepared for possible rent adjustments as market conditions evolve.
Sources:
- https://rentpost.com/resources/article/raise-rent-laws-in-florida/
- https://www.gulfincomeproperties.com/blog/florida-landlord-tenant-law
- https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/florida-rent-increase-laws
- https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/365/Analyses/h0365a.HAT.PDF
- https://www.leaserunner.com/index.php/laws/florida-rent-increase-laws
When Florida was the retirement capital of the US, and before COVID, the state was a pretty financially easonable place to live. However, when COVID struck, people were selling and leaving. Most likely to go back to their home states. Also, landlords could not evict tenants during that “lockdown” period. Therefore, landlords were not receiving the money to cover the rental property. THEN, the investors came along, bought up a majority of the vacant homes, flipped them rented at a rate no one on a single social security can afford. My landlord came in October (lease ended at end of Dec) and tried to raise my rent 50% or $500. There are two of us here over 65 on social security alone. This law protecting brokers and big corporations is INSANE. WE CANT AFFORD TO MOVE, EAT, INSURE OUR VEHICLE, BUY MEDS, PAY OUR COPAY FOR THE DR, OR DO WE EAT CAT FOOD LIKE WE’RE IN THE DEPRESSION. I PRAY TO GOD any of the big money people in Tallahassee, or their parents, child, close family member, ever has to make the aforementioned decision. My COLA doesn’t come close to the increases or PRICE GAUGING THIS STATE ALLOWS.